Defensive tackle Brad Northnagel, left, shakes hands with inmate David Basile as they talk outside, as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014. less

Defensive tackle Brad Northnagel, left, shakes hands with inmate David Basile as they talk outside, as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, ... more

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 6 of 32

Inmate David "Lumpy" Stephens, center, talks with Cal Bears football players as they make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Inmate David "Lumpy" Stephens, center, talks with Cal Bears football players as they make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 7 of 32

Cal Bears football players and staff members walk past a guard tower as they arrive for a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Cal Bears football players and staff members walk past a guard tower as they arrive for a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

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Defensive tackle Brad Northnagel sits between inmates Ventrice Laster, left, Miguel Quezada and David Stephens during a Squires Youth Diversion Program meeting as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014. less

Defensive tackle Brad Northnagel sits between inmates Ventrice Laster, left, Miguel Quezada and David Stephens during a Squires Youth Diversion Program meeting as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San ... more

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

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Players including Hardy Nickerson, left, and Brad Northnagel, listen to inmate Ventrice Laster speak to them during a Squires Youth Diversion Program meeting, as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014. less

Players including Hardy Nickerson, left, and Brad Northnagel, listen to inmate Ventrice Laster speak to them during a Squires Youth Diversion Program meeting, as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San ... more

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 10 of 32

The Bears offensive lineman Aaron Cochran is searched at the before entering the prison as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

The Bears offensive lineman Aaron Cochran is searched at the before entering the prison as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

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Cal Bears football players sit and talk with inmates during a Squires Youth Diversion Program meeting as the team makes a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Cal Bears football players sit and talk with inmates during a Squires Youth Diversion Program meeting as the team makes a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

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(L-R)Inmate Miguel Quezada looks on as inmate David Stephens talks with wide receiver Jack Austin during a Squires Youth Diversion Program meeting, as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014. less

(L-R)Inmate Miguel Quezada looks on as inmate David Stephens talks with wide receiver Jack Austin during a Squires Youth Diversion Program meeting, as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin ... more

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

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Linebacker Edward Tandy is searched by a corrections officer at the prison entrance as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Linebacker Edward Tandy is searched by a corrections officer at the prison entrance as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

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Players and staff make their way through a check point at the entrance as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Players and staff make their way through a check point at the entrance as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

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Inmates that are part of the Squire Youth Diversion Program walk with Cal Bears football players and staff as they make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Inmates that are part of the Squire Youth Diversion Program walk with Cal Bears football players and staff as they make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

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Wide receiver Jack Austin peeks out of a cell as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Wide receiver Jack Austin peeks out of a cell as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 17 of 32

Inmates work out in the yard as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Inmates work out in the yard as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

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Head coach Sonny Dykes is interviewed outside the prison as Cal Bears football players and staff make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Head coach Sonny Dykes is interviewed outside the prison as Cal Bears football players and staff make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 19 of 32

Players, staff members and inmates must crouch down as a siren sounds inside a housing block as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Players, staff members and inmates must crouch down as a siren sounds inside a housing block as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

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Quarterback Jared Goff stands outside the prison during an interview after Cal Bears football players made a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Quarterback Jared Goff stands outside the prison during an interview after Cal Bears football players made a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 21 of 32

Players, staff members and inmates must crouch down an alarm sounds inside a housing block as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Players, staff members and inmates must crouch down an alarm sounds inside a housing block as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 22 of 32

(L-R)Strength and conditioning coach Mahala Wiggins, wide receiver Patrick Worstell and quarterback Jared Goff get an inside look at a cramped cell as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014. less

(L-R)Strength and conditioning coach Mahala Wiggins, wide receiver Patrick Worstell and quarterback Jared Goff get an inside look at a cramped cell as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin ... more

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 23 of 32

Cal Bears football players including Trevor Kelly, center, and Aaron Cochran, right, climb stairs in a housing block during a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Cal Bears football players including Trevor Kelly, center, and Aaron Cochran, right, climb stairs in a housing block during a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 24 of 32

Cal Bears football players look at prisoners in their cells as they walk through a housing block during a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Cal Bears football players look at prisoners in their cells as they walk through a housing block during a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 25 of 32

Cornerback Cameron Walker, right, and defensive end Jonathan Johnson look around a cramped cell as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Cornerback Cameron Walker, right, and defensive end Jonathan Johnson look around a cramped cell as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 26 of 32

A guard stands watch in a tower as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

A guard stands watch in a tower as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 27 of 32

Head coach Sonny Dykes talks with inmate Sha Wallace as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Head coach Sonny Dykes talks with inmate Sha Wallace as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 28 of 32

Cal Bears football players stand in a receiving room as they listen to inmate David Basile describe how arriving prisoners are searched and processed, as the team makes a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014. less

Cal Bears football players stand in a receiving room as they listen to inmate David Basile describe how arriving prisoners are searched and processed, as the team makes a visit to San Quentin State Prison in ... more

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 29 of 32

Cal Bears football players stand in a receiving room where new prisoners are searched and processed, as the team makes a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Cal Bears football players stand in a receiving room where new prisoners are searched and processed, as the team makes a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 30 of 32

Defensive end Jonathan Johnson shakes hands with an inmate while walking through the yard as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Defensive end Jonathan Johnson shakes hands with an inmate while walking through the yard as Cal Bears football players make a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Image 31 of 32

Cal Bears football players listen to inmate David "Lumpy" Stephens as he shows them the clothing that new inmates receive upon arrival, as the team makes a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, Saturday May 3, 2014. less

Cal Bears football players listen to inmate David "Lumpy" Stephens as he shows them the clothing that new inmates receive upon arrival, as the team makes a visit to San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, CA, ... more

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

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Cal players get inside look at benefits of living on outside

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As a group of visiting Cal football players crossed the exercise yard at San Quentin State Prison toward the grim spectacle of South cellblock, ancient and foreboding, an inmate remarked, "Stay in college. This ain't no kind of school to go to."

Amen to that, might have been the collective response of 24 players and coach Sonny Dykes following a recent tour of the Marin County facility built in 1852 and showing every one of those 162 years.

"One of the guys I talked to had a clean record until he was 17 years old, made a bad decision one night with a friend and he's been here for 25 years," quarterback Jared Goff said. "It shows how blessed we are to have the lives we have."

Appreciating their lot

For the last eight years, Cal football's community relations coordinator, Kevin Parker, has organized trips to San Quentin, largely to reinforce to the players the notion of how lucky they are to be playing football and getting an education while others are paying a severe price for the poor choices they made, often as young men no older than the football players are now.

"It's to let the guys know they have a great opportunity; don't take it for granted," Parker said. "Anybody can make a bad decision and end up here."

Cal's trip to the "Q" was facilitated by Squires, a youth diversion program consisting of inmates trying to become better people and volunteers from outside the walls of the prison. It's an acronym for San Quentin Utilization of Inmate Resources, Experiences and Studies.

The prison administration, under Warden Kevin Chappell, made the trip possible and believes there is merit in bringing together inmates serving long stretches with college students to see if common ground can be found.

It can.

The first two hours of the trip were spent in classrooms, chairs arranged in a circle as players listened with rapt attention to inmates trying to put distance between the men they are now with the crimes that landed them here years ago.

Age of indiscretion

In every case, the inmates were in their teens or early 20s when acts of violence led to long prison terms and, for them, lives of reflection and atonement. The Squires program gives inmates the opportunity to share their stories with visitors in a setting of openness and honesty.

"I've got to be transparent - I'm not a big fan of Cal," said Tyler, serving 15 to life plus 3 for murder. "I'm not the same person I was at 17, 18 years old. I want to be a different person. I'm using this as an opportunity to change some lives."

With Tyler in the classroom, all dressed in their prison blues, were Vaughn Miles, 40, of Richmond, serving 29 to life for first-degree murder; Vin Nguyen, 36, of Oakland, 29 to life for shooting a man to death when he was 16; and Shadeed Wallace-Stepter, 32, of San Francisco, 27 to life for assault with a deadly weapon.

"I had no tools at the time to control my anger," Nguyen said. "All it takes is one mistake. That's why I'm here."

"I had some problems that went unidentified when I was younger that led me to where I'm sitting today," Miles said. "I had a challenging childhood. I was put out of my house at a young age and had to survive on the streets."

Learning to grow

Years of counseling sessions and self-evaluation at San Quentin made it easy for the inmates to talk freely about their problems and how they are constantly trying to improve. As for the Cal players, it took a little coaxing by the inmates to get them to open up regarding the stresses they feel in their own lives.

Thinking of Cal's 1-11 season in 2013, Walker, a sophomore cornerback, noted the "pressure to perform athletically and academically and not get embarrassed on national TV."

Walker mentioned a time when some fans offered to take him to San Francisco for a night of revelry. The college student in him wanted to say yes but the student-athlete ended up declining the offer.

"It was so hard to say no to that," Walker said. "Because of NCAA violations, I didn't want to risk my scholarship. That stuff happens."

Nodding in agreement, inmate Miles said, "We're under the same pressure. We're working to keep our bodies together, our minds together. In here, I'm responsible for me. Nobody in here cares more about my life than me. I've got to stay focused. At times it's overwhelming."

Toward the end of the classroom session of the visit, inmate Wallace-Stepter asked the players, "Is you all going to beat Stanford this year?" to which they responded with a hearty "yeah."

Processing the conditions

From the classroom the players were escorted to small holding cells where inmates are processed into the prison from county lockups. Inmates told of overcrowding, long waits and the indignity of being subjected to a strip search before being given the prison basics: jumpsuit, roll of toilet paper, comb, disposable razor, toothbrush, pencil, bar of soap and a plastic "spork" eating utensil.

"It's a very degrading process," one inmate said. "Once you're here, it's too late for you. I'll never be the same, even if I do get out of here."

Perhaps the starkest and most intimidating aspect of the visit was when players were herded into the shower room of South cellblock to see the horrid conditions there.

The cramped room had eight shower heads, for perhaps 100 men to use for 30-45 minutes until the water is turned off. Like everything else in prison, the shower heads are segregated: from right to left, the first three are for blacks, the next two for Northern Hispanics, the next one for Mexican nationals and the last two for whites.

"You usually have to fight for these showers. These showers don't come free," inmate Nguyen said.

If a shower head becomes available, it is only for that specific group. Cross racial lines in the shower and there's likely hell to pay.

"Up to 100 dudes are within this space trying to be orderly," inmate Wallace-Stepter said. "There's next to no supervision back here. It's one of the most secluded places you'll find anywhere in prison. Any violence that needs to happen, it happens in the shower."

Do not touch

Inmates stressed how unsanitary the shower room is and urged players not to grip the handrails as they climbed the stairs to get a look at the upper tiers of the cellblock.

"Don't touch anything!" one inmate said, forcefully.

The mere contrast between the dingy shower room at San Quentin and the luxurious appointments of the Simpson High Performance Center adjacent to Memorial Stadium would seemingly be enough to scare any student-athlete straight.

"We recognize how fortunate we are to have what we have," defensive lineman Austin Clark said.

Dykes, making his first trip to San Quentin, appeared to get as much out of the visit as his players and credited Parker for establishing the visit to the prison as an annual event.

"Kevin Parker has done a tremendous job establishing this program," he said. "I had an idea it would be good. I was pleasantly surprised. 'K.P.' really cares about the kids. This is a tool we have. To expose our student-athletes to this really hits home with them. It's an eye-opening experience."

Online extra

In an odd twist, safety Damariay Drew was arrested three days after the Cal football team visited San Quentin. To read more, go to http://bit.ly/1obkOTb

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